A man from Aberbran, Brecon, named Geoffrey Williams admitted to using a controversial method to train ponies, which involved tying them up and dragging them behind a moving vehicle. He pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act by subjecting a pony to pain, suffering, and injury through this harmful practice.
Williams acknowledged that he had employed this technique for years to “break in ponies,” but he conceded that modern training methods have evolved beyond such outdated approaches. The distressing incident, captured in footage, showed a black and white pony being dragged behind a vehicle in a field on April 2 last year.
During the court proceedings at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that RSPCA staff obtained video evidence of the pony being mistreated. A vet from another organization described the pony, a young cob, being tethered to a vehicle and dragged across the field. The vet expressed concerns that the pony likely suffered both physical and psychological trauma, leaving a lasting fear of handling.
Following the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben emphasized the importance of using compassionate and science-based training methods for animals, especially equines. He stressed the need for calm, consistent, and sympathetic handling to ensure the well-being of the animals.
While the court documents did not specify the fate of the pony involved, the case shed light on the significance of ethical and humane treatment of animals in training practices.